When Crisis Becomes Chronic

As
floodwaters recede, some North Dakotans continue to experience the
daily stress of evacuation from homes, loss of farm crops and business
income, and uncertainty. Because of the continual "not knowing what's
next," some people are unsure of their futures. Natural disasters often
lead to prolonged emotional and physical stress. Disasters can also
lead to "lessons learned" as communities rebuild.

The Downhill Slope: Prolonged Stress

During
times of extreme stress, people experience varying stages of emotion.
Alarm or shock is often the first stage, followed by resistance or
denial then exhaustion.

As the
crisis continues for some or as clean-up begins for others, physical
and emotional stress continues. Exhaustion, fear, anger,
disillusionment, cynicism and depression are common. These responses
are normal and appropriate for something that is lost (a home, a farm,
a business, a dream).

Negative results of prolonged stress include:

difficulty falling or staying asleep

nightmares for children and adults

irritability; outbursts of anger

excessive drinking/drug use

difficulty concentrating

excessive worry or extreme concern

re-experiencing the traumatic event

incapacitating guilt and self-doubt

withdrawal and suspicion

frequent loss of self-control

sudden painful emotions

apathy; avoidance of emotions, activities and situations associated with the event

feelings of detachment from others, from the future or from life.

If
these symptoms continue to persist well after the crisis is over or
surface several months or even years later, then the person might be
experiencing Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

Sometimes
called shell shock or battle fatigue, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
can affect people who have survived the trauma of a natural disaster,
such as flood. Mental health professionals are understanding more about
prevalence of PTSD in adults, children and communities.

The
natural disaster also might become a turning point in people's lives
that lead to insecurity, lack of confidence and fear. People might lose
sight of their lifetime goals. They may become helpless and hopeless.

There is
no right or wrong way to experience loss associated with crisis.
Everybody has their own individual timetable for grief. Some people may
go through the rest of their lives angry with the unfairness of the
flood. Fortunately, grief can be one of the most healing things we can
do.

The Uphill Climb: Recovery

Feelings
of detachment, avoidance and apathy might be an effective way of
conserving emotional energy and re-grouping. If people don't get stuck
in anger, grief, denial or depression then the healing cycle can
continue.

Lessons to be learned might include:

reframing the meaning of life and setting priorities; finding larger purposes, value and meaning to life

realizing
the importance of relationships and that helping others may be a way to
repay the help received during the disaster

the positive power of connection to our neighbors and communities

the qualities of strong families which include commitment, appreciation, communication, time, coping and spiritual wellness

the need to say thanks and the benefits of celebration

When
the volunteers have gone, the flood survivors will be left to clean up
the mud in their basements. We must be sure we haven't abandoned them
in their grief. People shouldn't isolate themselves. By getting out,
talking with community support groups and getting guidance from mental
health professionals, ministers and other caregivers, recovery and
growth are possible.

How can the community counteract isolation and withdrawal and provide support?

Emphasize the importance of community.

Help people be aware of the factors which work against community when experiencing a disaster.

Help people devise ways to deal with their distancing of other people's emotions.

Emphasize that often people can be helped by small deeds.

Encourage people to find support when they need it and accept help.

Use
widespread support and knowledge of available resources to help a
community effectively grow, develop and maintain itself.

Emphasize that the people in our lives are resources.

Create a structure which provides for long-term needs in the community.